Botox and dermal fillers like Juvederm are simple injectable solutions to diminish wrinkles and fine lines, restoring a younger, more radiant appearance. While serums, creams, and supplements are marketed as the only way to regain a younger visage, most of the time, these products deliver underwhelming results at best. But, with Botox and Juvederm, two of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the industry, patients can see a total rejuvenation to their image with no downtime whatsoever. Though they are both simple injections to treat wrinkles, Botox and Juvederm are vastly different in their chemical make-up and approach. Discerning which one is best for you and your cosmetic goals can be difficult. Dr. Friedlander and his expert staff at NorCal Lipo are proud to help you along this journey to a more radiant you. By explaining their similarities, differences, and timetable for results, Dr. Friedlander has helped hundreds of patients choose between Botox and Juvederm. If you want to see how either Botox or Juvederm can improve your appearance, please schedule a personal consultation at our Northern California offices. To reach our front desk directly, please call (916) 347-7755.
About Botox
Approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat facial wrinkles, Botox has long been a household name and one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. In 2020, it was the most performed cosmetic procedure with around 4.4 million treatments in the country – a 459% increase since 2000.[1] Botox contains Botulinum toxin type A. This safe but effective neurotoxin has been used in medical procedures since the late 1980s. Botox is injected intramuscularly where the Botulinum toxin type A diffuses in the tissue and binds with the neuromuscular junction. After it has seeped through the neuromuscular junction, Botox attaches to the protein-membrane responsible for acetylcholine production.[2] As a compound found in the nervous system, acetylcholine acts as a chemical messenger from nerve cells to other types of cells like muscular. When the Botox solution binds with the acetylcholine’s producing membrane, the muscle and the brain’s connection is interrupted. This interruption causes the treated muscle to relax and remain in place. Because the muscle is now completely relaxed, the overlying skin smooths out, diminishing the appearance of any wrinkles, fine lines, or folds.
Treatable Areas with Botox:
- Nasolabial folds
- Deep forehead line
- Crow’s feet
- Marionette lines
- Wrinkles at the corners of the mouth
- Minor brow lines
About Juvederm
Juvederm is not just one injectable but a family of products carefully designed to treat different cosmetic conditions. From adding significant volume to the lips to softening nasolabial folds, the Juvederm family of fillers can give you a complexion to be confident in!
Juvederm uses a naturally occurring chemical in the human body called hyaluronic acid. You might commonly see hyaluronic acid in different skincare creams and serums. In fact, 50% of the body’s own supply of hyaluronic acid is located in our dermis.[3] When inside our skin, hyaluronic acid binds with the moisture particles in our dermis to supply the skin’s internal and external structures with continual hydration. To create the line of Juvederm fillers, hyaluronic acid is formulated into a gel that ranges in viscosity. More viscous Juvederm products are used to boost the volume of deflated features and deep creases, while more fluid products treat superficial wrinkles and fine lines. Juvederm is injected directly into the dermis and adds noticeable volume almost instantly. As the hyaluronic acid molecules improve your skin’s hydration and structure, your skin starts to obtain a healthier glow.[4]
The Line of Juvederm Products
The Juvederm family of dermal fillers include:
- Ultra XC: to temporarily add fullness and plump thin lips, Juvederm Ultra XC is an easy way to more pronounced lips. With only a couple of injections into the outer lining of the lips, the Juvederm gel adds volume and projection to the lips to play a more prominent role in the face’s appearance.
- Volbella: classically called “lipstick lines”, we often see vertical lines on the upper lip and around the corners of the mouth. Volbella is thinner than Ultra XC. So, it can spread through the dermis and fill in any fine lines in the treated areas.
- Voluma: to create a stronger chin profile or restore volume under the eyes and cheeks, we recommend Voluma. Voluma is a thicker Juvederm product, so it can treat common features that have lost volume from aging.
- Vollure: to treat more moderate to severe wrinkles and lines around the face, we recommend Juvederm Vollure. This product is designed to smooth the deep appearance of “parentheses lines” and other heavy wrinkles like a prominent upper brow crease.
- XC: also designed to treat moderate to severe wrinkles, Juvederm XC adds volume to the areas as well as washing away common signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, folds.
The Difference Between Botox & Juvederm
Though Botox and Juvederm share similar results, they do so through three distinct differences.
Injection Location
First, the two are injected into different areas of tissues. Botox is injected into the muscle, where the chemical reacts with the nervous system to paralyze any movement and diminish wrinkles. Juvederm’s hyaluronic acid goes directly into the dermis, where it expands and continually supplies hydration to each dermal layer.
Mechanism of Action
Botox uses Botulinum toxin type A, while Juvederm employs hyaluronic acid. These two compounds are safe for humans and are biodegradable after a certain duration of time.
How Long Results Last
How long those compounds last in our body is a key difference between the two popular cosmetic procedures. Typically, Botox can last for a couple of weeks to around three months, where the muscle will slowly regain its ability to move and contract. Whereas, hyaluronic acid can remain active in our skin for up to 2 years depending on which Juvederm product you choose.
Because these two have different timelines for results, one might suit you better than the other. To know which one is right for you and your ideal cosmetic appearance, please schedule a personal consultation at our Northern California offices.
Consultation with Dr. Friedlander
Dr. Friedlander has helped hundreds of patients achieve their ideal cosmetic appearance since graduating from The Chicago Medical School and serving his surgical residency at the prestigious Rush University in Chicago. From here, Dr. Friedlander has established a remarkable reputation for aesthetic excellence in all of his patients. Having trained with other world-renowned doctors and surgeons, Dr. Friedlander has continuously learned the most advanced aesthetic techniques from the most advanced aesthetic teachers. He is proud and passionate to bring this specialized skill set to his Northern California clientele.
Your Consultation
We will begin your initial meeting by performing a physical examination and a brief new patient intake interview. This will help us understand what type of results you are interested in. From here, Dr. Friedlander or a trained nurse injector will explain how Botox and Juvederm work, what a typical session looks like, and what to expect in terms of results. They will discuss pricing and cost and listen to your desired results. Our main goal is to safely achieve your ideal appearance, and this may involve treating one area with Botox and another with Juvederm. To treat each of your unique cosmetic concerns, we will create a personalized treatment plan to address each area of concern.
How Much Do Botox and Fillers Cost in Northern California?
Depending on the amount of Botox or filler we use during your session, the price of your treatment will vary. Many patients come back for routine upkeep to their common signs of aging. If you would like to learn about our financing options, please visit our financing page. Also, be sure to keep an eye on our monthly specials and blog! If you have any questions about this or any of our other products or services, please feel free to call us at (916) 347-7755.
FAQ
What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
Botox is made up of Botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that paralyzes the targeted muscle, causing the overlying wrinkles to smooth out and relax. This process helps eliminate most wrinkles from a patient’s appearance. However, a dermal filler is injected directly into the skin where it expands, smoothing out the surface wrinkles in the skin. Typically, dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years, while Botox’s effects usually wane around three months.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2020). American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/plastic-surgery-statistics
- Satriyasa B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 12, 223–228. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S202919
- Kablik, Jeffrey*; Monheit, Gary D. MD†‡; Yu, Liping PhD*; Chang, Grace*; Gershkovich, Julia* Comparative Physical Properties of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers, Dermatologic Surgery: February 2009 – Volume 35 – Issue – p 302-312 doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2008.01046.x https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/Abstract/2009/02001/Comparative_Physical_Properties_of_Hyaluronic_Acid.2.asp
- Ballin, A. C., Cazzaniga, A., & Brandt, F. S. (2013). Long-term efficacy, safety and durability of Juvéderm® XC. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 6, 183–189. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S33568